Abraham Ogboghodo, a Professor of Soil Microbiology, University of Benin
(UNIBEN), has advocated for the development of a national soil map for the
country. He made the call while speaking with journalists in Benin shortly after
delivering the 11th Valedictory lecture of the institution.
The don said that the essence of having a national soil map could not be
overemphasized as it would save the country from poor food harvest as well as
appropriation of land for best use. According to him, “It is a pity that we have a
country of over sixty years old, and we cannot boast of a soil map for the country.
“And there are experts in our universities and research institutions that can help us
develop these soil maps. We can begin by telling universities to do the soil map in
their locations and then collate all the maps together to get an entity.”
He further said that “the advantage of soil map is that we will be able to know the
various crops that are suited for the different soils in the country. Farmers will not
waste money cultivating in a land that is not suitable for planting a given crop.”
The don also said that the process will equally help finance institutions that are
expected to provide finances to farmers. Hear him: “Banks will be careful about
the types of loans they give for farming purposes. Before they give out loans for
farming purposes, they will be able to know if the crop to be grown in a given area
will do well.”
He called for better funding for educational institutions to do research, noting that
there could not be development without research. The professor said, “In terms
of research, a lot of our facilities in the universities are getting old; facilities that
were used to produce 10 students many years ago are still being used to produce
100 students now.
“How do you expect the students to do well? so we need to do a lot in terms of
funding our institutions. This is because we have a lot to gain from research;
countries that have done well had research at their core base.”
Speaking about his academic journey of about 40 years, he said, “Looking back, I
have every reason to say that it has been the grace of God. I enjoyed the past 40
years working with students, staff, colleagues, both my seniors and juniors.”
